Rescued from Ukraine Lioness Undergoes Critical Dental Operation
The Big Cat Sanctuary
An adolescent lioness saved from war-torn the war zone has received critical dental surgery to remove a badly decayed fang caused by an infection.
The lioness was brought to The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, England on 14 March following a fundraising effort by director the sanctuary's leader, who collected £500,000 to support her and four other rescued lions.
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The surgery was performed on Friday by veterinary dentist Peter Kertesz, who has cared for hundreds of large felines.
"Upon inspecting the lioness's oral cavity, I could see right away the broken tooth was highly inflamed," said Mr Kertesz.
He believed the infection was caused by a injury sustained more than a year ago, causing bacteria creating toxins within the fang.
"My philosophy is animal dental problems should be addressed in the safest, the least invasive and safest way," he said.
Mr Kertesz clarified that as the lioness did not need to catch prey, removal was the most "sensible and ethical solution."
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The rescue center reported the extracted tooth was 3.14 inches in length, with Mr Kertesz having to extract a accumulated infection from beneath the tooth and seal the significant opening with multiple absorbable stitches.
He also performed a dental procedure on the corresponding top fang, which was discovered to have a similar issue.
Briony Smith, curator at The Big Cat Sanctuary, declared the operation was a "complete success."
She noted the team had observed "a minor swelling on Lira's jawline" but it had been impossible to assess "how serious the condition was."
"The lioness will be a little uncomfortable to initially, but now that the toxins are out of her body, she will begin improving over the coming days," commented Ms Smith.
This vital operation marks a significant step in the lioness's healing process after her arrival from the conflict area.
